It will seem like the old Mugabe glory days in the Zimbabwean town of Gweru on Saturday. The 21st February Movement, a state youth wing whose sole purpose is to prepare for President Robert Mugabe’s annual birthday festivities, has pulled out all the stops for his 83rd bash.

Thousands of children draped in scarves adorned in the president’s familiar features will dance in honour of the father of the nation. Giant cakes have been baked. Praise-singers will perform. Then, as the highlight, the president will arrive, probably by helicopter, presumably sporting his familiar Mao suit, to deliver a tub-thumping speech.